Bruce Springsteen Reveals Bouts Of Depression

As Bruce Springsteen‘s career skyrocketed in the early ’80s, he struggled with depression and self-isolation stemming from his complex relationship with his father. This news, and many others, are revealed in an extensive piece in the new issue of the New Yorker.

Although Springsteen has never been considered an autobiographical songwriter, his issues at the time should have been evident to anybody who analyzed his lyrics for running themes. However, they have never been laid out as bare before. Friend and biographer Dave Marsh reveals just how deep Springsteen’s depression was.

“He was feeling suicidal,” Marsh said. “The depression wasn’t shocking, per se. He was on a rocket ride, from nothing to something, and now you are getting your ass kissed day and night. You might start to have some inner conflicts about your real self-worth.”

In 1982, Springsteen began therapy to try to work it all out, which has continued to this day. He credits analysis with helping him deal with the cycle of self-loathing that shows up in songs ranging from ‘Adam Raised a Cain’ to ‘Dancing in the Dark.’

At 15,000 words, the piece, by David Remnick, is almost as long as a Springsteen concert, but it’s a fascinating portrait of the star. Set against the backdrop of the rehearsals for the ‘Wrecking Ball’ tour, it offers great insight into his life and his career.